Why Aamir Khan's popularity in China is 'accidental'

Aamir Khan is a superstar. Not just in India but China as well

Aamir Khan in a still from Dangal. &nbsp | &nbspPhoto Credit:&nbspYouTube

Aamir Khan is a superstar. Not just in India but China as well. His films that released in China - 3 Idiots, PK, Dangal and Secret Superstar, earned millions as the actor, who turned 53 on March 14, won hearts with his stupendous acting prowess. His popularity in China, though, Aamir said during an interview with Hindustan Times, was accidental.

Dangal, which cast Aamir as wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, shattered a glass ceiling with its earnings worldwide as it made over Rs 1000 crore in China.

"When Dangal released in China, they already knew me and my work. Also, the reason why the films did such business in China is the sheer number of screens. In India, we have around 5,000 theatres, while in China there are 45,000. Even though there isn’t as much difference in the population of the two countries (approx 1.35 billion in India and 1.4 billion in China). I play a cameo in Secret Superstar, even then the film was released by the exhibitors in 11,000 theatres in China. Just imagine the scale," Aamir added.

Secret Superstar, starring Dangal actress Zaira Wasim in the lead role, raked in 874 crores at the Chinese box office.

Aamir Khan made his debut as a director with Taare Zameen Par in 2007 in which he also starred as child artiste Darsheel Safary's teacher. He also produced films including Lagaan, Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, Peepli Live and Secret Superstar.

Last seen in Secret Superstar, Aamir Khan is currently filming Thugs of Hindostan, co-starring Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh. It is scheduled to release on Diwali.

Aamir Khan is married to filmmaker Kiran Rao. Their first child Azad was born in 2011. With his former wife Reena Dutta, Aamir has two children - son Junaid and daughter Ira.